Cubanelle peppers, often called “Italian frying peppers,” are a mild, sweet variety of Capsicum annuum known for their elongated shape and thin flesh. These versatile peppers add a nuanced, slightly fruity flavor with hints of nuttiness to various dishes, making them a popular choice for home gardeners. They are extensively used in Italian, Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican cuisines, perfect for frying, stuffing, roasting, or adding to sauces and salads. Their low heat level, typically ranging from 100 to 1,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), makes them a rewarding and flavorful addition to any garden.
Starting Your Cubanelle Peppers
Starting Cubanelle peppers from seed indoors provides an advantage, especially in regions with shorter growing seasons. Begin seeds about 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Plant seeds about a quarter-inch deep in seed-starting mix, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist and warm, ideally around 75-80°F (24-27°C).
Once seedlings develop a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots to continue growing until outdoor conditions are suitable. Alternatively, young Cubanelle pepper plants can be purchased from nurseries when the danger of frost has passed. Whether starting from seed or transplanting, select a site that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. The soil should be well-draining and enriched with organic matter, such as compost, to provide essential nutrients and promote healthy root development. Warm soil temperatures, consistently above 60°F (15°C), are important for successful transplanting and to prevent transplant shock.
Essential Care for Healthy Growth
Optimal growth occurs in temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 80°F (27°C), with extreme temperatures, either too cold or too hot, potentially hindering fruit set. Maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, supports nutrient availability and overall plant health.
Consistent moisture is important for Cubanelle peppers, particularly during flowering and fruit development. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more resilient to dry spells. Aim to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, avoiding both waterlogging and prolonged dryness, which can stress the plants. Overwatering can lead to root issues, while underwatering can cause blossoms or small fruits to drop.
Initially, a balanced fertilizer can promote strong vegetative growth. As the plants begin to flower and set fruit, switching to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus and potassium content can encourage better fruit production. Applying fertilizer according to product instructions, typically every two to four weeks, ensures the plants receive adequate nutrients without over-fertilization.
As Cubanelle pepper plants grow and begin to bear fruit, their branches can become heavy and prone to breaking. Providing support through staking or caging helps prevent damage and keeps the fruit off the ground, reducing the risk of disease. Install stakes or cages early in the plant’s life to avoid disturbing the root system later on. Good air circulation around the plants, achieved through proper spacing, also helps manage humidity levels and reduces the likelihood of fungal issues.
Pest and Disease Management
Aphids, small soft-bodied insects, often cluster on new growth and can be dislodged with a strong stream of water or managed with insecticidal soap applications. Cutworms, which sever young plant stems at the soil line, can be deterred by placing cardboard collars around the base of seedlings at planting time. Flea beetles, tiny hopping insects, chew small holes in leaves; floating row covers can provide a physical barrier against them.
Blossom end rot, characterized by a dark, sunken spot on the bottom of the fruit, results from inconsistent watering and calcium uptake; ensuring consistent soil moisture and adequate calcium can prevent this. Powdery mildew, appearing as white, powdery spots on leaves, thrives in humid conditions with poor air circulation; increasing plant spacing and ensuring good airflow can help. Bacterial spot, which causes small, water-soaked lesions on leaves and fruit, can be mitigated by avoiding overhead irrigation and planting disease-resistant varieties.
Harvesting Your Cubanelle Peppers
Cubanelle peppers are ready for harvest 60 to 75 days after transplanting. They are picked when 4 to 6 inches long and light, yellowish-green. While they can be harvested at this stage, allowing them to remain on the plant longer ripens them to a vibrant red, developing a sweeter, smokier flavor.
To harvest, use clean pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut the stem about an inch above the pepper, rather than pulling the fruit. This prevents plant damage and ensures a clean break, promoting continued production. Regular harvesting encourages more peppers throughout the growing season. After harvesting, Cubanelle peppers store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ideally in a produce bag, to maintain freshness and crispness.